BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - If the snow comes, authorities in the Birmingham area are ready.

The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency at 6 a.m. activated its Emergency Operations Center in downtown Birmingham. That means officials with EMA, the Birmingham Police Department, The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Birmingham Fire and Rescue and city and county public works employees are huddled around a dozen monitors in the EMA operations room, waiting to spring into action if needed.

"Right now we've got folks here and we are monitoring,'' said EMA Officer Horace Walker. "Going by what the National Weather Service says, it shouldn't be too big of an issue.

The forecast calls for snow to begin about 9 a.m. with up to four inches possible in portions of central Alabama. Wind gusts could be as high as 30 mph, and the chance of precipitation is 100%.

Birmingham patrol officers are being told to fill up their gas tanks before the weather rolls in shortly. "We are monitoring the
reports and command staff will decide what actions, if any,we will take,'' said Birmingham police spokesman Sgt. Johnny Williams Jr.

Jefferson County sheriff's Chief Deputy Randy Christian said patrol divisions will have snow chains on hand, and will have four-wheel drive vehicles placed strategically. Should conditions deteriorate, patrol supervisors will monitor conditions and make a determination on non-emergency calls. Sheriff's officials also will provide special transport for any essential medical personnel to hospitals.

If things worsen and travel becomes hazardous, lawmen ask that the public use good common sense on unnecessary travel and not put themselves or first responders at risk.

"Let's be smart people. We have been through this before. Stay home if you are there. If not, monitor the forecast and get home ahead of the predicted poor road conditions,'' Christian said. "Build a snowman, make some snow ice cream but for Heaven's sake, stay off the road. I can't tell you how many drivers say, 'I thought I could make it' to a deputy just shaking his head."